In July 2011, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology released a pamphlet stating several doctors’ endorsement of Intrauterine Devices (IUD) as “as safe and effective birth control.” IUDs were once unpopular in the United States, nevertheless, use has persevered. Physicians are starting to recommend IUDs more frequently, especially non-hormonal, copper IUDs. However, as Delicia Yard of ClinicalAdvisor.com points out, “The devices may raise the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and subsequent infertility.” Prescribing information for a popular IUD lists these common side effects: headache, abdominal/pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, depression, migraine, nausea, acne, back pain, genital tract infection, ovarian cysts, dysmenorrheal, breast pain, and unintentional expulsion of the device. Despite this, it has been said that IUDs are “the most cost-effective form” of birth control available.

How does this newly popularized birth control stand up to the Billings Ovulation Method (BOM)? Continue reading